Data Reveals Grim Trend in Workplace Deaths

Fatal work injuries in the United States in 2016 reached their highest level since 2008, with double-digit increases in workplace violence and overdose fatalities, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

There were a total of 5,190 fatal work injuries recorded in the U.S. in 2016. That is a 7 percent increase from the 4,836 fatal injuries in 2015, the bureau said. This is the third consecutive increase in annual workplace fatalities.

Fatal injuries involving transportation remained the most common in 2016, when there were 2,083 such incidents, which is about 40 percent of the total.

Violence and other injuries by persons or animals increased 23 percent to 866 cases, becoming the second most common fatal event in 2016. Workplace homicides increased by 83 cases to 500 in 2016. Workplace suicides increased by 62 to 291—the most suicides recorded since the census began in 1992.

Slips, trips and falls were the third most common fatal event last year, with these injuries increasing 6 percent to 849 and continuing a general upward trend since 2011.

Overdoses from the non-medical use of drugs or alcohol while on the job increased to 217 in 2016 from 165 in 2015, a 32 percent increase. Overdose fatalities have increased by at least 25 percent per year since 2012, the bureau said.

Source: Business Insurance